Teaching.  A lot of us either dream to do it or fall into it and learn that we love it.  In a constantly changing world for musicians it’s difficult to know what we should do and how to do it “right” not only for our students but for ourselves as well.  Teaching is a profession where it’s extremely easy to give yourself to the job.  What I’ve seen from most teachers I know is that they don’t see it as a job, but as an identity or life style. 

Personally, I’ve never studied education or formally learned how to teach.  For me, it has always been incorporated into whatever I do (maybe it’s the oldest sibling syndrome!) and I’ve learned the most from watching and collaborating with others.  I’ve thought a lot about the saying “Those that can’t do, teach” and it’s always bothered me!  I think if you can do something well and are passionate about it, you MUST teach.  Not only does a student learn something new, but the teacher is constantly learning and adapting.  Building those connections between people is so important and keep the world thriving and growing.

So, if it’s so amazing and important, how can we pour so much passion from ourselves, and make sure that we don’t end up empty?

First, let’s start with ourselves.  This might be counterintuitive for most teachers, but it’s essential…

How to survive a long day.
Let’s face it, we know it’s going to happen.  It will feel much less stressful if you prepare for it.  Always make sure you have enough food prepared!  Being hangry is a real thing and will effect everyone around you if you let it.  Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day as well!  While I teach, I find it helpful to write down quotes from students so you can feel inspired, and be able to revisit them when things feel stuck.  It’s also important to have something fun planned for the end of a long day!  Whether it’s meeting up with a friend, or staying in to read for pleasure, make sure it’s something that brings you happiness and ease.

How and when to take breaks.
If you make your own schedule, make sure to schedule them in for yourself!  At first it will feel like you want that 6 straight hours of teaching to make the money, but you’ll most likely be more refreshed if you give yourself two 15 minute breaks spaced throughout.  If you don’t do your own schedule, don’t be afraid to speak to the school or the administration about the length of time you feel you can go without a break.  Get up in between lessons to just walk down the hallway, or grab a snack quickly while your student unpacks and plays a scale.  They’ll appreciate the moment too.  I have my students begin their lessons with stretching, and it’s a great way for me to participate and stretch with them!

Overall
Make yourself a priority- find an exercise routine and keep time for socializing.  

Talk it out- Get together with your fellow teachers to commiserate about things as it can feel lonely to just come in, teach, and leave!  

Keep it fresh- always be looking for observation opportunities, reading materials, conferences etc.  There is an abundance of information out there, and chances are that someone has found a really great way to teach certain techniques.  We don’t need to re-invent the wheel here!  

Now that we’re in a place where we’re feeling ready, we can go to work with our students.

How to approach a new student
My top priority as a teacher is to create a safe space where any student feels welcome and respected.  If it’s a brand new student, I like to take a moment to let them know my plan for the next few weeks.  With music it can be really difficult to feel and see improvement immediately, so if they have pillars that they know they want to get to, it’s more fun along the way.  I also like to set some goals together, whether it be a certain song or learning a specific technique.  

If the student has studied previously with someone else, I like to start the lesson with playing so that I can make some decisions about what should be made a priority.  I ask questions to see what they’ve worked on and what they’ve liked or disliked in their playing/repertoire/ etc.  If it’s appropriate, talk to a parent to get some background not only about their musical experience, but their learning style and if there are any behaviors you need to be made aware of.

It’s also important for me to know their background with music, whether it be another instrument or the offerings they receive in school. Have they learned music only by ear, or do they know how to read music? Two important things that I like to assess (and then always keep working on) are rhythm and pitch. I have them do some simple exercises...can they keep a steady beat, can they sing happy birthday and stay on pitch, can they stomp their feet with quarter notes and do clap eighth notes? All of these coordination aspects are involved in learning music and we keep developing them throughout their lessons.

The important thing to remember is that it’s about THEM.  Each lesson and each student will be different.  I’m not there to tell each student they need to play in a specific text book manner.  Each person has their own personality.

Can you ruin a student?
Unfortunately, I see this as always being a possibility.  I see it as physically setting up a student incorrectly which can lead to discomfort or injury; or making things too strict so therefor taking the love and excitement out of it.  Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that most of the time, we’re not here to raise musicians, but that music helps people in so many other aspects of life- academically, socially, work ethic, and don’t forget that we’ll always need concert goers and people who love and appreciate music!

How to deal with a difficult parent?
Many of us as teachers will teach beginners, so this means that parental involvement is crucial to their success.  Patience is definitely a theme in teaching, and it doesn’t only apply to the student.  A parent can be overbearing, pushy, or strict at times.  Of course it always comes out of love and the want for the student to succeed!  If a parent is disruptive during lessons- maybe suggest that they try sitting out of the lesson one week, and just come back in the end to see what to practice.  If they’re too strict about practicing- suggest that you come up with a routine and plan together so everyone is on the same page.  If a parent constantly needs to reschedule or asks too much of your time- try your best to make your expectations and priorities clear from the beginning for each family.

More often than not as a teacher in music, we are our own boss so it can be difficult to make sure we have all of these balances for ourselves and our students.  Remember that, as with most things in life, this balance is a work in progress and will constantly need to be reevaluated and adjusted.  There will be ups and downs, and time where you feel like you can’t handle it anymore and times where you feel like you own it.  Flexibility, calm thoughtfulness, and passion will always be the strong points for a successful teacher.